docs: create home/homelab/idle-process

home/homelab/idle-process.md

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+---
+title: Create a Background Idle Prevention Processs
+description: 
+published: true
+date: 2025-06-25T11:49:23.320Z
+tags: 
+editor: markdown
+dateCreated: 2025-06-25T11:49:23.320Z
+---
+
+# Setting Up a Lightweight Keep-Alive Script on Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS
+
+This guide describes how to create a `keep_alive.sh` script to prevent a headless Ubuntu Server from being considered idle and how to configure it as a systemd service for persistence.
+
+## Creating the Keep-Alive Script
+
+1. **Create the Script**:
+   Open a terminal and create the script file:
+   ```bash
+   nano /usr/local/bin/keep_alive.sh
+   ```
+   Add the following content:
+   ```bash
+   #!/bin/bash
+   while true; do
+       echo "Keep alive" > /dev/null
+       sleep 60
+   done
+   ```
+   Save and exit by pressing `Ctrl+O`, `Enter`, then `Ctrl+X`.
+
+2. **Make the Script Executable**:
+   Set execute permissions for the script:
+   ```bash
+   chmod +x /usr/local/bin/keep_alive.sh
+   ```
+
+3. **Run the Script in the Background**:
+   Start the script in the background, ensuring it persists after logout:
+   ```bash
+   nohup /usr/local/bin/keep_alive.sh &
+   ```
+
+## Configuring the Script as a Systemd Service
+
+To ensure the script runs automatically on boot and is managed by the system, configure it as a systemd service.
+
+1. **Create the Systemd Service File**:
+   Create a service file:
+   ```bash
+   sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/keep-alive.service
+   ```
+   Add the following content:
+   ```ini
+   [Unit]
+   Description=Keep Alive Script to Prevent Idle
+   After=network.target
+
+   [Service]
+   ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/keep_alive.sh
+   Restart=always
+
+   [Install]
+   WantedBy=multi-user.target
+   ```
+   Save and exit (`Ctrl+O`, `Enter`, `Ctrl+X`).
+
+2. **Enable and Start the Service**:
+   Enable the service to start on boot and run it immediately:
+   ```bash
+   sudo systemctl enable keep-alive.service
+   sudo systemctl start keep-alive.service
+   ```
+
+3. **Verify the Service Status**:
+   Check that the service is running:
+   ```bash
+   systemctl status keep-alive.service
+   ```
+
+## Notes
+- **Resource Usage**: The script uses near 0% CPU and minimal memory (a few KB).
+- **Interval Adjustment**: Modify the `sleep 60` value in the script to change the interval (e.g., `sleep 30` for 30 seconds).
+- **Monitoring**: Confirm the script is running with `ps aux | grep keep_alive`.